Movies That Inspire Gratitude

Gratitude is an important character strength and life skill for kids' success and happiness, but it's more than just saying "thank you." All of the films on this list can teach kids the value of being aware of and thankful for the good things in their lives -- and of taking the time to return kindness. These motivational movies, ranging from A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving to It's a Wonderful Life, show the importance of being grateful by featuring characters who learn to overcome selfishness and truly appreciate what they have. (See even more movies and TV shows that inspire gratitude.)

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A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Poster: Charlie Brown holds a bowl of dog food while Snoopy and Woodstock sit at a table that has pie and turkey on it
MOVIE

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

age 3+

Classic Turkey Day special for all ages; some insult words.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1973)
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas Poster Image
MOVIE

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas

age 4+

Heartwarming TV special is true to Seuss' classic book.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1966)
VeggieTales: Madame Blueberry Poster Image
MOVIE

VeggieTales: Madame Blueberry

age 4+

Great songs and a timely message about the dangers of greed.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1998)
Cinderella Movie Poster: Cinderella holds a glass slipper; smaller images of the Fairy Godmother and other characters are below her
MOVIE

Cinderella

age 4+

Sweet fairy-tale classic has bullying, tense chase scenes.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1950)
Annie (1982) Poster Image
MOVIE

Annie (1982)

age 6+

Classic orphan tale has great songs, some iffy content.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1982)
Mary Poppins Poster Image
MOVIE

Mary Poppins

age 5+

Classic family movie has positive messages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1964)
Pollyanna Poster Image
MOVIE

Pollyanna

age 6+

Wonderful family film with excellent messages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1960)
Up Poster Image
MOVIE

Up

age 6+

Pixar's stunning adventure is an upper for everyone.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2009)
Coco Movie Poster: Miguel and Hector stand back to back on a path made out of marigold petals
MOVIE

Coco

age 7+

Stunningly animated, poignant tribute to family and culture.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2017)
Elf Poster Image
MOVIE

Elf

age 8+

Peppy holiday favorite for both kids and parents.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2003)
Heidi (2015) Poster Image
MOVIE

Heidi (2015)

age 7+

Enjoyable, beautiful, warmhearted remake of classic tale.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)
Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable Poster Image
MOVIE

Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable

age 8+

Inspirational docu has themes of perseverance, gratitude.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)
Christopher Robin Poster Image
MOVIE

Christopher Robin

age 8+

Sweet but slow tale about the power of family, imagination.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)
Freaky Friday Poster Image
MOVIE

Freaky Friday

age 8+

Mother-daughter switch is fun comedic chaos.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2003)
Oliver! Poster Image
MOVIE

Oliver!

age 8+

Glorious musical based on Dickens' Oliver Twist.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1968)
You Wish! Poster Image
MOVIE

You Wish!

age 8+

Familiar but well-told fantasy tale has positive messages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2003)
Coraline Poster Image
MOVIE

Coraline

age 9+

Cool but creepy animated fantasy too scary for young kids.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2009)
It's a Wonderful Life Poster Image
MOVIE

It's a Wonderful Life

age 9+

This classic delivers warmth all year long.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1946)
Kindness Is Contagious Poster Image
MOVIE

Kindness Is Contagious

age 9+

Warm, feel-good docu about being nice is uplifting.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)
Faith, Hope & Love Poster Image
MOVIE

Faith, Hope & Love

age 10+

Faith, fun, and footwork in dance-centric romcom.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)